About Me

school phone 232-5290

About Me

I grew up in the "Irish" town of Emmetsburg. I was one of 7 children. I attended Emmetsburg Catholic Elementary school through 8th grade and then attended Emmetsburg Public High School. After graduating from high school, I attended Iowa Lakes Community College for a year and a half. I then transferred to Briar Cliff College to finish my college education graduating with a major in Psychology and a minor in Elementary Education.

I live in Gilbert. I am married to my husband, Rick. We share 2 children, Danielle and Devin and now a daughter in law, Emily.

This is my 27nd year at St. Cecilia and I have experience teaching kindergarten, first, and 3rd grade. I am so excited to be teaching first grade! It is so exciting to observe the growth of each child spiritually, physically, emotionally, and physically! St. Cecilia is such a wonderful, loving, faith-based school where every teacher loves every child. We are a community where all of the staff are familiar with every child and they see God in each and every face. I can describe our school as one big family!

My Teaching Philosophy

As I reflect and think back about my first grade year, I can recall many fond memories I have of my teacher and my experiences. I often wonder what my students will remember about me and their year in first grade? I want them to remember me as being someone who loved them very much, cared about them, and made them feel safe. I hope they would be able to recall all of the bible songs we sang, laughing with each other, learning and discovering new concepts in many different ways, and most of all, how to become a respectful citizen through play and prayer.

In first grade, our number one goal is to have FUN while showing good character and learning new things everyday. Each child learns at a different pace and has a different academic and developmental need. My goal is to find a balance that works to meet the needs of every child while using a hands on, interactive, faith-based curriculum. Teaching at St. Cecilia gives me the opportunity to teach the whole child, and I also feel it is very crucial that you are an essential part of your child's education.

My ultimate goal for my first graders is to help them learn the skills they need to be respectful, caring, honest, and successful Christian-like citizens. First grade provides an opportunity for children to continue their education with a positive attitude about school, get excited about their love for learning, as well as build feelings of success.